Our Favorite Hotels on the Athens Riviera
• Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons
• For families: Grand Lagonissi
• For Couples: The Margi
Best Places to Stay on the Athens Riviera
- The Athens Riviera refers to the seaside towns south of Athens. This 48 km stretch is full of sandy beaches, pretty marinas, and tranquil sea in every hue of blue.
- Both organized and natural shorelines dotted along the coast. Currently, there are 13 beaches and marinas recognized with a Blue Flag award. Natural beaches without any services are always free to access. Most organized beaches have entry gates and charge an admission fee that does not cover using sunbed and umbrella sets. Costs vary by beach and whether visiting on a weekday or weekend but generally range from €6 to €15 per adult. Some beaches offer special rates for families. Children under five-years-old and individuals with disabilities often qualify for free admission. Consider the per person per day cost for local beach access if staying at a hotel that does not have its exclusive beach.
- The primary towns on the Riviera include (from north to south) Palaio Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Lagonisi, Varkiza, Anavyssos, and Sounio. The busy harbor town Piraeus is sometimes included as part of the Riviera (its Bay of Zea specifically), but it does not share the idyllic beaches or relaxed atmosphere of its southern neighbors – not yet. Piraeus is currently undergoing an urban renaissance, though it has yet to be fully realized.
- Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera is the ideal location for first-time visitors to stay, particularly. This laid-back town is home to the area’s best beach, Astir Beach (where the Four Seasons is located), as well as Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal spa. Vouliagmeni enjoys a central coastal position equidistant to central Athens, the ferry port, and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio. Accommodations are primarily luxury and moderately priced.
- Briefly stated: Palaio Faliro (or just Faliro) serves as the gateway to the Riviera, home to Flisvos Marina (luxury yacht mooring). Known for its luxury boutiques and shopping malls, along with glamorous private beach clubs, Glyfada emphasizes fashion. Set between Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, residential Voula is progressively converting from tranquil to stylish but with many humble, family-run businesses still intact. Progressing farther south, the towns get more tranquil and less touristy, though travelers still find plenty to do. Lagonisi is another small, tranquil, residential town with a string of sandy beaches. Varkiza presents contrasts with traditional fishermen on their little wooden boats, along with the Island Club, one of the most lavish beach clubs on the Riviera. In easygoing Anavyssos visitors find sandy beaches, water sports centers, and a lovely winery. Upscale Sounio (or Sounion) holds the most historical significance here, notable for its ancient Temple of Poseidon (mentioned in The Odyssey and the poetry of Lord Byron) and now boasting summer villas and high-end resorts.
- If relying primarily on public transportation, remain in the northern half of the coastal region. The best-connected towns here are Glyfada, Voula, and Faliro. Stasy operates tram lines that connect the center of Athens (Syntagma station) to the coastal communities Palaio Faliro (line 6) and connect Piraeus to Glyfada and Voula (line 7). To travel to Glyfada and Voula from central Athens, ride line 6 to its last stop at Pikrodafni, then transfer to line 7. OASA runs the express bus lines connecting the airport to towns along the Athens Riviera: the X96 links the airport to Piraeus ferry port through Voula, Glyfada, and Faliro, and the X97 connects the airport to Elliniko via Voula and Glyfada. It is best to rent a vehicle if staying south of Voula. OASA`s 122 bus connects Glyfada to Voula, Vouliagmeni, and Lagonisi; transfer to the 124 just south in Saronida to reach Anavyssos. There are no bus routes joining any coastal towns to Sounio. KTEL offers buses three times daily from central Athens to Sounio.
The Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
1. Four Seasons Astir Palace – Vouliagmeni
Hotel Phone: +30 21089 01000
The Four Seasons Resort Athens, located on a private peninsula at Astir Beach, offers luxurious accommodations and amenities. Considered the most prestigious beach resort in the area, it has three private beaches and swimming pools, a spa, children`s club, and ten dining and lounge areas. Spacious rooms, suites, and bungalows include furnished balconies with ocean views and king beds. Top suites and bungalows feature private pools. Guests can partake in cooking classes, watersports, wine tastings, and private boat excursions. The thermal springs at Lake Vouliagmeni and shopping/nightlife in Glyfada are conveniently accessible via the resort`s complimentary shuttle.
2. The Margi – Vouliagmeni
Hotel Phone: +30 21089 29000
Situated near Astir and Vouliagmeni Beaches in a tranquil Athens neighborhood, this exquisite boutique hotel offers an idyllic getaway. Guests may relax alongside an elegant outdoor pool and visit an on-site wellness facility containing another heated pool along with medically-integrated historical Greek and Indian therapies. Seasonal restaurants serving locally-sourced ingredients highlight dishes prepared with produce from their organic farm, available to tour with cooking demonstrations led by the concierge. Airy guest rooms and suites include serene color palettes, sustainably-harvested furnishings, and private patios overlooking king-sized beds. The premier accommodation further indulges with a whirlpool bathtub. Within a convenient five-minute walk lies eateries and scenic Lake Vouliagmeni about twenty minutes farther.
3. Grand Resort Lagonissi – Lagonisi
Hotel Phone: +30 22910 76000
A luxury resort resides on a private peninsula, boasting sixteen sandy beaches. Guests can enjoy one garden pool centrally located and another by the beach club overlooking the sea. Amenities include an outdoor cinema, full-service spa and gymnasium, watersports facilities, and a helipad. Several restaurants and lounges offer diverse cuisines and atmospheres, ranging from Greek and Italian to Japanese-Peruvian fusion. Breakfast is provided daily. Most rooms include an outdoor space furnished with a garden, hot tub, or heated private pool. Families will appreciate the kids` club for ages four through twelve and babysitting services. Having a vehicle is advisable for stays in this part of the coastline region.
4. Vincci EverEden – Anavyssos
Hotel Phone: +30 22910 60031
This four-star coastal resort, located further south along the French Riviera, provides a family-friendly environment for relaxation. Guests have access to two outdoor pools, as well as a private beach complete with a children`s playground, kids` pool area, and floating aquatic park. Lifeguards are stationed at both swimming areas and the shoreline to ensure safety. Additionally, travelers can make use of complimentary wellness facilities like a steam room and indoor heated pool within the on-site spa after daily fitness sessions in the 24-hour gymnasium. Accommodations include private balconies or patios, and higher room categories provide either private immersed pools or hot tubs. A full breakfast is included daily, while opting for half-board adds a lunch or dinner. Having one`s own vehicle is beneficial when staying in this more secluded section of the Riviera countryside.
5. Vouliagmeni Suites – Vouliagmeni
Hotel Phone: +30 21089 64901
Conveniently placed boutique hotel a brief walk from both a small beach as well as scenic lake and park areas. Within a three to five minute stroll, guests can access Vouliagmeni Beach to the north or Lake Vouliagmeni to the south. Even closer is a free beach at the end of Vouliagmeni Park along with various dining establishments. This artfully designed lodging features an outdoor pool in warmer months and creative on-site Greek cuisine; massages available upon request. All rooms include private balconies and complimentary snack options (additional fee for replenishments); most with separate marble bathing spaces of bathtubs and showers. Family rooms provide a second sleeping quarter while family apartments incorporate a kitchenette.
6. Athenian Riviera Hotel – Vouliagmeni
Hotel Phone: +30 21089 00000
This relaxed boutique property features a pool amid tree-lined surroundings a brief five-minute walk from Vouliagmeni Beach or ten minutes to Astir Beach. Mediterranean fare is served both within the all-day AR Restaurant or poolside, while room service is available into the evening. Wellness facilities incorporate massage therapies, sauna, and salon services. Accommodations include private balconies, indoor rainshowers, custom pillow menus, and daily housekeeping, with some Executive Suites adding whirlpool baths and select Deluxe Family Rooms with outdoor hot tubs.
7. The Alex Monte Kastella – Piraeus
Hotel Phone: +30 21119 83763
Nestled within an affluent hillside community overlooking the coast in Piraeus, this boutique hotel provides a luxurious accommodation option. All rooms and suites feature modern amenities such as bespoke artwork, rainfall showers, and selection of pillows. Most units offer scenic ocean views, with some including pull-out sofas and Superior Rooms adding balconies. A complimentary breakfast is offered daily in the lobby bar along with juice and coffee. A highlight is the rooftop restaurant providing panoramic vistas of the marina and surrounding waters, specializing in premium local cuisine and wines produced on site. The lively harbor of Mikrolimano with its array of eateries and cafes is within a brief walk. Additionally, the ferry terminal is under a 10-minute drive away.
8. The Port Square Hotel – Piraeus
Hotel Phone: +30 21119 83763
Strategically situated mere steps from the ferry terminal, The Port Square offers travelers an excellent fusion of comfort and convenience. Guest rooms and suites showcase contemporary furnishings, fine Egyptian linens, and walk-in showers. Some Double Rooms and the Suite benefit from private balconies as well. The trendy all-day Bacaro Restaurant serves appealing Mediterranean cuisine, with room service accessible until 11pm and a generous breakfast buffet beginning at 6:30am (a lighter morning meal is also available from 6am) 
